In Cleveland, people work long hours every day in hospitals, warehouses, and restaurants. If you work more than 40 hours a week, federal and Ohio law usually require your employer to pay you overtime at a rate of 1.5 times your regular pay.
Cleveland is on Lake Erie and is home to big companies in the healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. In neighborhoods across the city, many workers depend on hourly pay to support their families.
A top-rated wage and hour attorney in Cleveland can look over your situation and explain your options if you think your paycheck is too short.
In this article, we’ll break down who qualifies for overtime, common employer mistakes, and what steps you can take if you’re not being paid correctly.
Who Qualifies for Overtime in Cleveland?
Most hourly workers in Cleveland are entitled to overtime pay under federal and Ohio law. If you work more than 40 hours in a single workweek, your employer must pay you at least 1.5 times your regular rate for those extra hours. This includes jobs in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality.
Salaried employees can be trickier. Exempt roles, such as certain executives, professionals, and administrative staff, often do not receive overtime pay. But just because your pay is fixed doesn’t automatically mean you’re exempt. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers must meet strict criteria to classify someone as exempt.
Common Mistakes Employers Make
Over time, mistakes happen more often than you might think. Employers sometimes:
- Misclassify employees as exempt.
- Count only base pay and exclude bonuses or commissions.
- Require “off-the-clock” work, like checking emails before a shift.
Even small miscalculations can add up. A warehouse worker putting in an extra 5 hours a week could miss hundreds of dollars in pay each month.
How to Check If You’re Being Paid Correctly
Start with your pay stubs. Compare the hours recorded with your actual work schedule. Look for deductions, omitted overtime, or pay that doesn’t match your standard rate.
Keep notes of extra tasks performed outside scheduled hours. Emails, text messages, and time-tracking apps can serve as evidence.
If you suspect underpayment, consulting a wage and hour attorney can clarify your rights. They can determine whether your role qualifies for overtime, calculate unpaid wages, and help you navigate the claim process.
What About Travel and Breaks?
Not all time is counted equally. Travel between jobs or sites may qualify for overtime, but commuting from home generally does not. Meal breaks typically don’t count unless the employee is required to work through them.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides guidance on what counts as compensable time. Understanding these rules ensures you aren’t missing legitimate pay for time worked.
Steps to Resolve Overtime Issues
If you find discrepancies:
- Document everything—hours worked, emails, and schedules.
- Check company policy—see if there’s a formal process for disputes.
- Seek expert advice—attorneys can identify violations and calculate owed wages.
- File a claim if necessary—the U.S. Department of Labor and the Ohio Department of Commerce handle wage disputes.
Many disputes are resolved without litigation, but knowing your rights protects you from being underpaid.
Key Takeaways
- Most Cleveland workers get overtime for hours over 40 per week.
- Exempt salaried employees are not automatically excluded; classification matters.
- Common mistakes include misclassification, excluding bonuses, and off-the-clock work.
- Travel time, meal breaks, and extra tasks can affect overtime calculations.
- Keep detailed records of hours and work performed outside scheduled shifts.
- Consulting a top-rated wage and hour attorney can clarify rights and potential back pay.
- Federal and state resources provide official guidance on overtime rules.
